PREPARATION - F.A.Q. - PRICES - TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

This is the only aproved screening test for breast cancer.  It is a radiography of your breasts.

We have two Lorad mammography machines that are calibrated yearly.  A daily quality control test is done by a technologist. The mammography is done by a certified, specialized technologist.

During the exam, some women may experience discomfort cause by the compression necessary for the procedure.

The compression is important :

1. 1-It lessens the amount of radiation by thinning the breast.
   
   2-It immobilizes the breast for a sharper image
   
   3-It spreads the breast tissue to permit a better view of potential lesions.
   

PREPARATION

Do not put on any deodorant.

Avoid foods that can augment sensitivity of the breast (colas, coffee, chocolate).

Please arrive 10 minutes earlier to fill out an information sheet.

The exam takes 20 – 25 minutes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

QUESTION:
Is the mammography painful?

ANSWER:
The pain or discomfort felt during this exam is highly variable, depending on each woman.          The technologist is there to help  you.  Please rely on her to make the experience as comfortable as possible.


QUESTION:
Why is it necessary to have further, follow-up exams?

ANSWER:
Sometimes, the interpretation of your mammography can be inconclusive, for different causes :  it can then be necessary to recall you for complementary films of your breasts or ultrasound.  There is no cause for alarm :  this happens regularly and does NOT necessarily mean that it is « cancer ».   (Please note that if an ultrasound is necessary, it is not covered by the RAMQ card at the clinic).


QUESTION:
Why is a mammography necessary?

ANSWER:

As of date, the mammography remains the best tool we have for early detection of breast cancer.  However, this technique is not perfect and has its limits:   despite technological progress and in the best conditions, 5 to 15% of cancers cannot be seen on mammography.

This is why a concurrent medical follow up is important.  An annual breast exam by your doctor is recommended.  Also report any changes such as a mass, a redness, a nipple discharge, to your doctor.

PRICES

None.
The mammography is covered by your health insurance (RAMQ).

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

You must have an  appointment for a mammography,  You must also have :  either a signed prescription by your doctor or the letter of the government inciting you to the breast screening program.  Please refer to the opening hours of the clinic.